Kelowna

Lazy, narcissistic generation?

That’s one of the topics of an upcoming talk at Okanagan College’s Trades Training Complex Atrium on Wednesday, with author Ian MacRae.

He will be talking about his new book, co-authored by Adrian Furnham, Motivation and Performance: A Guide to Motivating a Diverse Workforce, which looks at those questions and more.

“It would be wildly inappropriate to have similar guides for other stereotypes, such as Leadership for Lithuanians, Business Strategies for Blondes or HR for Homosexuals,” MacRae said.

“Myths about generational differences are an easy target, mostly because the scientific evidence lends little support to theories of generational differences.”

MacRae says motivation, rather than age, is why a pair of equally qualified employees in the same position could behave differently.

The book looks at studies on motivation and acts as a practical guide for organizations to bring out employees’ potential based on what their motivations are.

Okanagan School of Business professor Roberta Sawatzky says she makes use of MacRae’s studies and his new book in her own classroom.

“The suggestions in the book reinforce the principles we teach in our leadership, organizational behavior and HR management courses at the college,” she said. “Any business professional would benefit from the very practical examples and step-by-step processes provided throughout.”

The book launch is being sponsored by the Okanagan College Alumni Association and Sage Transitions. It will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

To attend, register for the presentation at the event page online. Registration also offers a chance to win one of three copies of Motivation and Performance.